It strays from conventional Land Rover design in some respects with larger proportions, a dramatic silhouette and more modern touches. However, still evident is the trademark stepped roof, alpine lights and traditional seating layout which, collectively, “work in harmony to create a vehicle that acknowledges its roots, whilst firmly looking forward,” says Land Rover.

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Externally, the vision concept vehicle belies its large size with wrap-around headlamps and tail lamps and short front and rear overhangs. The headlamps utilise laser technology and add a distance of over 300 metres to the range of a standard configuration. Further back, slim, aerodynamic wing mirrors feature embedded cameras which augment the view of the driver through the windows. Just below the doors are LED-illuminated side steps which automatically deploy during an occupant’s entry and exit of the vehicle.

The Discovery concept’s large external dimensions are carried over to the interior. It seats seven people in a 2+3+2 layout. The layout has been made interchangeable to cater for four different seating configurations (including a four-seat ‘limo’ mode).

The interior comprises completely washable leather seats, open wood veneer and polished and brushed aluminium surfaces. There are also detachable suitcases integrated into the passenger doors, and four individual 10-inch screens and on-board WiFi.

One noticeable omission inside the concept is steering-wheel mounted indicator stalks. Instead, turn signals and headlights are operated through gesture control, where a camera recognises pre-programmed movements from the driver to activate certain functions.

There is also a secondary gearstick which can be detached and taken out of the vehicle to operate it remotely, using a new Remote Control Drive system.

The aforementioned smart glass system isn’t likely to be put into production any time soon but promises new possibilities. According to Land Rover: “The smart glass in the window can work in conjunction with eye-tracking sensors and the vehicle’s sat-nav system to identify that, for instance, a passing landmark is being observed by one of the vehicle’s passengers – and displays relevant information, such as navigation or tourist data, to that passenger.

“That information can then be swiped from the window directly into a passenger’s seatback infotainment screen, or – adding in the functionality of passengers’ personal devices – even to a docked tablet or smartphone.”

The smart glass technology can also be used in the panoramic roof to display screen-saver style ‘mood screens’, such as a starry night sky or a clear blue summer’s day.

The Discovery has been a perennial best seller for Land Rover since its release 25 years ago. For the upcoming iteration, due in 2015, the British brand has flagged a new range of vehicles.

“The Discovery nameplate will be borne by not just a single model but a distinct range of vehicles that symbolise the essence of the premium, lifestyle-orientated SUV: modern, versatile, practical and desirable, with the unmistakable DNA of Land Rover at its core,” Land Rover says.

“As Range Rover has done in the luxury SUV sector, the Discovery nameplate will come to redefine its territory in the leisure category.”

It is expected the Land Rover Discovery will be offered with a choice of existing petrol and diesel engines as well as introduce the company's new Ingenium range of four cylinder powerplants when the final production version is revealed early next year.

19 comments so far

Not completely sold on the looks, but I'm sure it will grow on me - just like the Evoque did.

As usual, Land Rover setting the benchmark for technology in their class. Good on them. Unlike Toyota, re-packaging the same rubbish, generation-old technology and mechanics over and over again.

Three Rangies over the space of 25 years and never an issue with any of them! Rock-solid vehicles, despite what the 'bought and paid for' surveys say.

Keep it up, Land Rover.

Commenter

Ken

Location

Sydney

Date and time

April 15, 2014, 10:47AM

Ken,

I wished I had sold you my 2002 Range Rover HSE. 120000km on the clock. Replaced 1 transmission, 2 2 radiators and pixels fading in the dasboard display ($10k in repairs in total).

You must have purchased the only 3 Range Rovers in history that had no problems.

Commenter

Melbourne

Location

Date and time

April 15, 2014, 11:47AM

lol

Commenter

tyrone

Location

Date and time

April 15, 2014, 11:49AM

@ Ken "Unlike Toyota, re-packaging the same rubbish, generation-old technology and mechanics over and over again" This must be why people in industries who need reliable vehicles buy so many Land Rovers (not). It is Toyota ALL THE WAY for them, wonder why?Land and Range Rovers and their offspring are the toys of city people, those of us who work our vehicles know where true reliability and cost-efficiency lies. It seems they like paying thousands of dollars for a tyre on their Rangies, etcetera.A Fool and his money is soon parted..

Commenter

Borg

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

April 15, 2014, 12:23PM

I've owned both Toyotas and Landrovers - I like my Toyota but I loved my Landrover (and so did my family). I for one can't wait to have another one in the driveway.

Commenter

Mikka

Location

Date and time

April 15, 2014, 2:40PM

It is the sticking with tried and proven technology assembled by people who actually care about what they are doing that has given the Landcruisers and Patrols their outback cred! I am often in areas well away from major cities and you can count the Land Rover and Jeep products on one hand. Seems the bushies and companies trading out here value reliability and quality of construction over pizzaz!

Commenter

Ken

Location

Date and time

April 15, 2014, 3:53PM

Toyotas are very nice cars -- for Mr Average. Land Rovers are for people who love cars and love driving.

Having said that, I'm sad that in the last ten years the Discovery has gone from being the most capable outback tourer to being an SUV.

Commenter

Roberto

Location

Date and time

June 05, 2014, 8:33PM

A big improvement of the aging Disco design but strikingly similar in looks to the Territory (side view)........

Commenter

Wayne

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

April 15, 2014, 11:44AM

Looks like its good for discovering the local shopping mall or cappuccino strip.